Portal North. ISSUE 2 - Magazine - Page 34
EMBRACING
STILLNESS
The Balearic Islands may be famed for their popular beaches but it’s the more
remote landscapes that offer true tranquillity. Lauren Kate Hughes uncovers the
quieter side of this sun-kissed archipelago
As the amber sun dips behind the Serra de Tramuntana, I
enjoy a quiet moment on a terrace surrounded by clay pots
of lavender and geranium, wondering if there is anywhere
more peaceful than Majorca’s mountains.
Each summer, tourists 昀椀ll the island’s sandy beaches and
cram into its bustling ports, but it’s Majorca’s rustic villages,
crisp mountain air and nature-led approach to wellness that
pull me back each season.
Stretching roughly 90km along the island’s northwestern
coast, the Tramuntana mountain range, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site, is dotted with historic villages like
Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller and Fornalutx, each offering a
slower, more relaxed pace than the beachside resorts.
An enjoyable stay here doesn’t rely on warm weather; spring
and autumn are ideal for tackling its peaks without the
34 PORTAL NORTH ISSUE 2
sticky heat, while an alfresco dip in an alpine whirlpool feels
magical when the air is chillier.
From sunrise yoga in the hills to afternoons wandering
through forest trails, nature and wellness intertwine
effortlessly. But the appeal of the mountains is more than
pretty views – a holiday here can be transformative.
While Blue Mind theory explores the calming effects of
water, studies into the psychology of ‘awe’ suggest that
vast, dramatic landscapes have the power to shift our
perspectives, allowing us to connect with nature more
deeply. If you’re seeking a restorative escape in Majorca,
swap the more crowded beaches for the serenity of the
mountains, where tranquillity feels like a way of life.
